If you are driving around Kent, England, and are wondering which National Trust sites to visit, I recommend putting Ightham (pronounced item) Mote, Sevenoaks, high on your list.  This medieval moated manor house, dating from 1320, has a splendid history.  After a GBP10 million 15-year restoration, the site is in great nick.

The visitable sites of Ightham Mote include the magnificent Great Hall (photo left), the Crypt, and a fine Tudor Chapel with a hand-painted ceiling, replete with symbols of King Henry VIII and his first wife, Catherine of Aragon, and commissioned by the owner in the hopes that the King & Queen would come visit.  They never did, and despite Henry’s many other wives, the then owner did not repaint.  For those of you men who are frequenters of the doghouse, here is one for you:  a Grade I-listed dog kennel (right), situated in the picturesque courtyard, large enough to house a full adult. 

We did not try the restaurant on site, but it looked very nice.

Gift Aid Admission Prices: (with Standard Admission prices in brackets): £10.40 (£9.40), child £5.20 (£4.70), family £26 (£23.50). Groups (£8.85).  
Winter weekends, 7 Nov–20 Dec: £5.50 (£5), child £2.75 (£2.50)

Contact information:
Mote Road, Ivy Hatch, Sevenoaks, Kent TN15 0NT
+44 1732 810 378